Azalea plant named `Calvary&#39;s Love`

ABSTRACT

An azalea plant variety producing unmarked white flowers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distant variety of evergreenazalea of the genus Rhododendron and a member of the ericaceae family.The new variety is a plant from seed harvested from a plant of SouthernIndian azalea. The specific parentage of the new variety is unknown.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new variety is distinguished by unmarked pure white flowers withoutsplotches or discolorations common to other varieties of white floweredazaleas. Plants and buds of the new variety are hardy to at least 0°F.and in Zone 7A and 7B and flower in early April.

Asexual reproduction of the new variety by vegetative cuttings inClover, S.C., has demonstrated that the distinguishing characteristicsare retained in successive propagations. The varietal denomination ofthe new variety is `Calvary's Love`.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying illustrations show specimens of the variety as grown inClover, S.C., with coloration being as true as possible in colorillustrations of this type. Phenotypic expression may vary withenvironmental, growing, and climatic conditions.

One of the accompanying illustrations depicts the pure white flowers ofthe new variety; a second illustration shows the white flowers andjuvenile foliage and a third illustration shows foliage and buds of amature plant.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of the new variety, of plantsgrown in Clover, S.C. Color values are described in terms of The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart (RHSCC).

Botanical classification:

Family.--Ericacae.

Genus.--Rhododendron.

Origin: Hybrid seedling.

Parentage: Unknown.

Plant:

Form.--Shrub.

Size (mature plant):--About 4 to 6 feet tall, about 6 to 8 feet wide.

Habit.--Intermediate foliage density.

Foliage.--Juvenile foliage: Near 147C. Mature foliage: Near 133B to133C. Leaf size: About 21/4 inches long, about 5/8 inches wide. Leafshape: Elliptic, flat. Leaf base: Cuneate. Leaf tip; Acute. Leafsurface: Semi-glossy. Indumentum: Discrete hairs.

Stems.--Brown to brownish gray.

Bud:

Form.--Ovate, pointed.

Size.--About 1/4 to 3/4 inches long; about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide.

Color.--Near 138D to 140D, opening yellowing white.

Calyx.--About 0.4 inches long, light yellowish green.

Flowers:

Number per truss.--About 2 to 3/terminal.

Shape.--Broadly funnel-shaped.

Size.--About 2.5 inches long, about 3 inches wide.

Lobes.--Flat to very slightly wavy-edged lobes.

Color.--Pure white, near 155D inside and outside; unmarked, no blotchesor spots.

Corolla.--Generally gamopetalous; fused at base.

Texture.--Soft and delicate.

Reproduction organs:

Stamens.--Long, about 4 to 8, white filaments.

Anthers.--Deep pink.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct azalea plant varietysubstantially, as shown and described.